I hate it... I hate it.... I hate it! The dreaded Walmart trip. I put it off and put it off until the kids are screaming and starving. This morning I was threatened by my four year old that if he didn't get some bacon soon....! Anyway, they gave me no choice. Today had to be the day.
My mom is here this week because Aaron is away on business. Thank the Lord for my mom! She always makes the trip down from Indy when Aaron is away. She knows I need the help. She is a true blessing to me in every sense of the word! I was able to leave the kids with her and make the trip by myself. That is huge! Getting to go without a cart full of kids wanting anything and everything in sight makes a big difference. I didn't realize how big.
Today the Washington Walmart was particularly busy. I wasn't as irritated and distracted as I usually am since the kids weren't along. I was able to think about what I needed to buy. I didn't show any signs of aisle rage like I usually do... you know what I mean... when the person in front of you in the can good aisle is oblivious to everything and everyone around them and leave their cart in the middle of the aisle while they are searching for some elusive can of cream corn. Drives me insane! But not today.
I politely waited as the lady on the cell phone was trying to talk and find her donuts at the same time.... I didn't fume when the guy rudely cut me off coming around the corner... and I showed great patience when the mom in front of me let her kids run wild in the juice aisle, blocking my way to the one and only type of juice that Ava is allowed to drink. When I had to wait in line at the checkout for 20 minutes... I was relaxed as I read the tabloids and learned of Angelina's frightening trip to the ER. And when I pushed my 300 pound $234 cart out to the van but couldn't load everything in the back because it was full of baseball equipment... I did not curse. All in all, I would call it a successful trip.
Today I realized something about myself... I spend a lot of time and energy being irritated. I need to work on that. I am not the center of the Walmart universe and time does not stand still when I show up to do my shopping. Lesson learned.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Texting Tuesday
Today was a crazy day... Tuesday's always are. Pre-school day. That means two trips to Loogootee and back. Guitar Lesson Day. That means picking Austin up at 3 to make it to preschool to pick Jaden up by 3:15 so I can get Austin to guitar by 3:30. Today I threw an emergency shirt order and a trip to UPS in Washington into the mix. Then, of course, it was ball game night. Whew....
By the time 8:00 rolled around, I was finally in my favorite chair, with my show on... American Idol of course... cell phone in hand. The kids were running wild, but I didn't care. I was in my zone.
Why the cell phone you may ask... Every since the beginning of the season, one of my fave BFF's, Christy, and I have texted throughout the entire show. We have literally rolled on the floor at times. Appropriately texted as ROTFL! (Rolling on the floor laughing for you non-texters) There have been many "dude" and "dawgs" texted between us as we channel Randy and tons of discussion on what illegal substance of choice Paula decided on before the show. There have been times when either one or both of us have nearly peed our pants!
Why am I telling you this... We all need a little escape at times. Nothing is better to get rid of stress than a good belly laugh. I always know when its Idol night that I will get a text asking " are you home" I look forward to it. It's part of my Tuesday. For the hour that the show is on, we are having a ball. And by the time it is over, I feel like a weight has been lifted. As an added bonus... we get to do it all again on elimination night!
Find something in your life that you can escape to and have a laugh or two. Give the texting with a friend thing a try if you both share a favorite show. It does wonders for the soul.
By the time 8:00 rolled around, I was finally in my favorite chair, with my show on... American Idol of course... cell phone in hand. The kids were running wild, but I didn't care. I was in my zone.
Why the cell phone you may ask... Every since the beginning of the season, one of my fave BFF's, Christy, and I have texted throughout the entire show. We have literally rolled on the floor at times. Appropriately texted as ROTFL! (Rolling on the floor laughing for you non-texters) There have been many "dude" and "dawgs" texted between us as we channel Randy and tons of discussion on what illegal substance of choice Paula decided on before the show. There have been times when either one or both of us have nearly peed our pants!
Why am I telling you this... We all need a little escape at times. Nothing is better to get rid of stress than a good belly laugh. I always know when its Idol night that I will get a text asking " are you home" I look forward to it. It's part of my Tuesday. For the hour that the show is on, we are having a ball. And by the time it is over, I feel like a weight has been lifted. As an added bonus... we get to do it all again on elimination night!
Find something in your life that you can escape to and have a laugh or two. Give the texting with a friend thing a try if you both share a favorite show. It does wonders for the soul.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Oompa Loompa's
This is Ava... my own little oompa :)
I have always loved the movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory... ever since I was little. Today for some odd reason, sitting in the waiting room at the pediatrician, I began to sing the oompa loompa song... Don't ask me why. Maybe it was because some of the other kids in the waiting room looked like they needed to learn a lesson or two like the kids in the movie... Remember Augustus Glute or Veruca Salt... obnoxious, spoiled little heathens... You see a lot of kids like that these days.
Some parents today just don't discipline there kids... I am not sure why. We were very strict on our older two when they were little. They learned the difference between right and wrong at an early age. There were consequences to their actions and we were very consistent in our parenting. Now that they are older they are both very well behaved, well mannered, very respectful young men. The babies on the other hand... well let's just say it's true the older a parent is the easier they are on the kids. Don't get me wrong... we still discipline in basically the same way, but are a bit to lenient at times. I am working on that in an effort to not create a couple of mini monsters.
I have seen kids take a swing at mom when she didn't give in... I have seen others throw some pretty outrageous fits. I have seen tons with a total lack of respect for their parents. Sad thing is, the parents act like it's no big deal. I know some parents I would love to grab a hold of and say "Are you Kidding Me!" "You are actually going to let your kid act like that?" What a disservice they are doing to those children. I believe it is a major factor in the decline of our society. Seriously. What kind of generation are we raising.
Number one on the list of ten commandments... HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER. How can we expect our children to honor us if we do not teach them proper respect. How can we expect them to follow the rest of the ten commandments if we do not teach them right from wrong. Infuriates me when I send my kids to other peoples houses and have to worry about what kind of video games or movies those parents allow their kids to see. What are we teaching our kids folks. Time to wake up parents and take a good look around at what is happening. Read Ephesians 6!
I will jump off my soapbox now... Teach your kids some morals and some values... then you can live in happiness too... like the oompa loompa doopity doo
I have always loved the movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory... ever since I was little. Today for some odd reason, sitting in the waiting room at the pediatrician, I began to sing the oompa loompa song... Don't ask me why. Maybe it was because some of the other kids in the waiting room looked like they needed to learn a lesson or two like the kids in the movie... Remember Augustus Glute or Veruca Salt... obnoxious, spoiled little heathens... You see a lot of kids like that these days.Some parents today just don't discipline there kids... I am not sure why. We were very strict on our older two when they were little. They learned the difference between right and wrong at an early age. There were consequences to their actions and we were very consistent in our parenting. Now that they are older they are both very well behaved, well mannered, very respectful young men. The babies on the other hand... well let's just say it's true the older a parent is the easier they are on the kids. Don't get me wrong... we still discipline in basically the same way, but are a bit to lenient at times. I am working on that in an effort to not create a couple of mini monsters.
I have seen kids take a swing at mom when she didn't give in... I have seen others throw some pretty outrageous fits. I have seen tons with a total lack of respect for their parents. Sad thing is, the parents act like it's no big deal. I know some parents I would love to grab a hold of and say "Are you Kidding Me!" "You are actually going to let your kid act like that?" What a disservice they are doing to those children. I believe it is a major factor in the decline of our society. Seriously. What kind of generation are we raising.
Number one on the list of ten commandments... HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER. How can we expect our children to honor us if we do not teach them proper respect. How can we expect them to follow the rest of the ten commandments if we do not teach them right from wrong. Infuriates me when I send my kids to other peoples houses and have to worry about what kind of video games or movies those parents allow their kids to see. What are we teaching our kids folks. Time to wake up parents and take a good look around at what is happening. Read Ephesians 6!
I will jump off my soapbox now... Teach your kids some morals and some values... then you can live in happiness too... like the oompa loompa doopity doo
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sweet babies...
Babies are abounding! Ever notice how it kind of comes and goes in waves. A good friend of mine just had baby number 7 a few weeks ago, (bless her heart) another good friend is due in just a few weeks, another friend is newly expecting, and yet another good friend has got the fever...(I say go for it girl!) All these babies and guess what... I have no desire to have another one! I thought this day would never come....
I love babies though....guess that's why I had so many :) I had Ethan when i was 26 followed by Austin just 19 short months later. They were quite a pair. Between the two of them, I changed diapers everyday for five straight years! They were both good babies and got along more like twins since they were so close in age. When they were 9 and 7, I really got to missing having a little one around. I also thought I really needed a little girl, so we decided to have one more. That pregnancy, unfortunately, ended in a miscarriage at 11 weeks. It was devastating. (Every year we still hang a rememberance ornament on our Christmas tree and think of that precious little one) Thankfully though, about six weeks later I was pregnant with Jaden. And when Jaden was two... the clock started ticking really loudly, and I felt the need to try one more time for the little girl that I wanted so much.
Little did I know that precious little girl would be my biggest challenge. The overwhelming list of food allergies, the temper, the tantrums, the drama... oh my. I know now why the Lord saved her for last. Had she been first... well, lets just say things would have been a lot quieter around here. And you know what, by the time I get her potty trained I will have spent another 5 straight years changing diapers!
As Tami would say... I count it all JOY! Babies are a blessing. I am so thankful now that mine are so spread out. I only have 5 short years left with Ethan... scares me to death. Austin will be gone shortly after. Thank goodness the nest won't be empty. I can't bear the thought of it. Yes, my life is a challenge... Yes, I am exhausted most of the time....and Yes, somedays I think I simply will not make it through. But in the grand scheme of things we hold our sweet babies for such a short time. I am cherishing every crazy, loud, aggravating, messy, trying, precious, wonderful, minute of it.
I love babies though....guess that's why I had so many :) I had Ethan when i was 26 followed by Austin just 19 short months later. They were quite a pair. Between the two of them, I changed diapers everyday for five straight years! They were both good babies and got along more like twins since they were so close in age. When they were 9 and 7, I really got to missing having a little one around. I also thought I really needed a little girl, so we decided to have one more. That pregnancy, unfortunately, ended in a miscarriage at 11 weeks. It was devastating. (Every year we still hang a rememberance ornament on our Christmas tree and think of that precious little one) Thankfully though, about six weeks later I was pregnant with Jaden. And when Jaden was two... the clock started ticking really loudly, and I felt the need to try one more time for the little girl that I wanted so much.
Little did I know that precious little girl would be my biggest challenge. The overwhelming list of food allergies, the temper, the tantrums, the drama... oh my. I know now why the Lord saved her for last. Had she been first... well, lets just say things would have been a lot quieter around here. And you know what, by the time I get her potty trained I will have spent another 5 straight years changing diapers!
As Tami would say... I count it all JOY! Babies are a blessing. I am so thankful now that mine are so spread out. I only have 5 short years left with Ethan... scares me to death. Austin will be gone shortly after. Thank goodness the nest won't be empty. I can't bear the thought of it. Yes, my life is a challenge... Yes, I am exhausted most of the time....and Yes, somedays I think I simply will not make it through. But in the grand scheme of things we hold our sweet babies for such a short time. I am cherishing every crazy, loud, aggravating, messy, trying, precious, wonderful, minute of it.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Precious Time...
Today I had breakfast with my small group (insert name here girls...?). I love to eat breakfast out, but only get to once or twice a year so that was an added bonus. For those of you who have never attended an emmaus walk... you are encouraged to group afterwards with others who have made the walk. Great for accountability purposes! And I must admit... I felt very inadequate at times today, so will be working harder this week... It is really easy for me to make excuses because I have four kids and run a business. Heck, there are days when I can't even remember if I had lunch!
All of us are busy these days. Not just your normal busy... CRAZY busy! I often look back and wonder if my parents were this busy. I just don't think they were. Maybe I was just to young to see it. I remember Saturday nights were Love Boat and Fantasy Island nights... The whole family watched. No place to be. No hurries, no worries.
Goes back to what I said yesterday.. I feel the need to slow things down a bit. This week I plan on doing just that. I am going to make a conscious effort to spend some extra time with each of my kids.... which as the girls pointed out this morning... is difficult because each one requires a different type of attention. I also plan on spending a little extra time with that oh so understanding husband of mine. Most importantly... I will spend more time with God. The One from whom all of these wonderful blessings flow. I encourage all of you reading this to do the same. Relax, take a deep breath... leave the dishes and laundry if need be. Pay attention to the things in your life that are truly important. Then at the end of the week... take a look back and see what a difference it makes. Not only in you, but in the people around you. Time is so precious these days... make some precious time for the ones you love!
All of us are busy these days. Not just your normal busy... CRAZY busy! I often look back and wonder if my parents were this busy. I just don't think they were. Maybe I was just to young to see it. I remember Saturday nights were Love Boat and Fantasy Island nights... The whole family watched. No place to be. No hurries, no worries.
Goes back to what I said yesterday.. I feel the need to slow things down a bit. This week I plan on doing just that. I am going to make a conscious effort to spend some extra time with each of my kids.... which as the girls pointed out this morning... is difficult because each one requires a different type of attention. I also plan on spending a little extra time with that oh so understanding husband of mine. Most importantly... I will spend more time with God. The One from whom all of these wonderful blessings flow. I encourage all of you reading this to do the same. Relax, take a deep breath... leave the dishes and laundry if need be. Pay attention to the things in your life that are truly important. Then at the end of the week... take a look back and see what a difference it makes. Not only in you, but in the people around you. Time is so precious these days... make some precious time for the ones you love!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Here goes nothing...
Ok, so I read a few blogs... I am not an addict. I think they're pretty cool. No time to journal. This seems much easier so why not get in on it. Great therapy. My mind is always racing at 100 mph, and my kids do sweet and not so sweet things everyday that at some point I will be unable to recall.. so why not put it all on paper, so to speak, for posterities sake.
A lot is happening in my life right now. A lot of stress and a lot of great things too. God has decided to shake it up a bit... which is a good thing. I can't wait to see where this is all going. I have become somewhat retrospective at this point... but also very aware of the passing of time and things that are fleeting. Funny how that just kind of happens as you get older. I feel the need to slow things down a bit, and make a conscious effort to take everything and every moment in. As my dad often makes a point to tell me when I am complaining about the craziness that is my life... "one day honey, you will miss this, trust your ol' dad."
I feel very different about my life than I did ten years ago, when thirty was a monumentous occasion.... oh, if I had only known then what I know now. I am looking at myself differently, seeing myself age, thinking about health issues and such, realizing all the wonderful things God has blessed me with. Simply put.. I am maturing. I think it will be ok. I think it is probably time. I think I am 40, but I am Fabulous!
A lot is happening in my life right now. A lot of stress and a lot of great things too. God has decided to shake it up a bit... which is a good thing. I can't wait to see where this is all going. I have become somewhat retrospective at this point... but also very aware of the passing of time and things that are fleeting. Funny how that just kind of happens as you get older. I feel the need to slow things down a bit, and make a conscious effort to take everything and every moment in. As my dad often makes a point to tell me when I am complaining about the craziness that is my life... "one day honey, you will miss this, trust your ol' dad."
I feel very different about my life than I did ten years ago, when thirty was a monumentous occasion.... oh, if I had only known then what I know now. I am looking at myself differently, seeing myself age, thinking about health issues and such, realizing all the wonderful things God has blessed me with. Simply put.. I am maturing. I think it will be ok. I think it is probably time. I think I am 40, but I am Fabulous!
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